Walls That Hold Back Soil Safely

Retaining wall installation and replacement for sloped properties in Cincinnati, Ohio.

If your yard slopes toward your foundation or a section of soil is starting to slide, a retaining wall does more than add structure. It holds back earth, redirects water, and creates usable flat areas where landscaping or walkways can go. In Cincinnati, where clay soils expand with moisture and slopes erode during heavy rain, the wall needs proper drainage behind it and a footing that reaches below the frost line.

Dave King Construction installs new retaining walls using block, stone, or poured concrete depending on the height and load. If you already have a wall that is leaning, cracking, or showing gaps at the base, replacement involves removing the old structure, regrading the slope, and building a new wall with updated drainage and reinforcement. The work includes backfill material that drains freely, perforated pipe to move water away from the wall, and cap stones or finishing details that match your property.

To discuss wall options for your Cincinnati property and schedule a site evaluation, contact Dave King Construction.

How a Retaining Wall Gets Built

The crew excavates a trench at the base of the slope and lays a compacted gravel footing that keeps the first course of block or stone from shifting. In Cincinnati, that trench often needs to go twelve to eighteen inches deep depending on wall height and frost depth. Each row is checked for level before the next one is placed.

Once the wall is up, you will see a straight or gently curved face that no longer bulges or tilts. The soil behind it stays in place, and water exits through drainage outlets instead of pooling at the base.

Geogrid fabric may be used between courses on taller walls to tie the structure into the hillside. Crushed stone backfill goes behind the wall to allow water to pass through instead of building pressure. Topsoil is added above the backfill zone so grass or plantings can grow right up to the wall. Walls over four feet tall may require engineering or permits depending on local codes and site conditions.

What Homeowners Usually Want to Know

Most questions focus on how long a wall will last, what causes them to fail, and whether a new wall can be built in the same spot as an old one. These answers help clarify what goes into a stable, long-term install.

What causes a retaining wall to lean or crack?
Water pressure behind the wall is the most common issue. Without drainage, saturated soil pushes outward and the wall eventually shifts or breaks.
How long does a retaining wall installation take?
A typical residential wall takes three to seven days depending on height, length, and site access. Taller walls or those requiring significant excavation take longer.
Why does the wall need gravel behind it?
Gravel drains freely and reduces the weight and pressure that saturated soil creates. It also directs water to a perforated pipe that carries it away from the base.
What materials work best for Cincinnati properties?
Segmental concrete block is common because it handles freeze-thaw movement and comes in multiple colors and textures. Natural stone and poured concrete are also options depending on your budget and aesthetic.
How does replacement differ from repair?
Replacement removes the entire wall and rebuilds it with updated drainage and a deeper footing. Repair may address small cracks or loose stones, but it does not fix underlying drainage or structural issues.

Dave King Construction evaluates your slope, drainage conditions, and wall placement before starting work. Learn more about retaining wall options for your Cincinnati yard by reaching out today.